Beginner Learning Spanish

Ola!

Would anyone have any recommendations for learning Spanish? I would like to get to the point where I am comfortable speaking and listening to some simple phrases so I could find a language exhange partner. I have been reading "Spanish for Dummies" (I have read about 1/3 of the book), but I find it tough to retain all of the words that I learn, and often go back and read the sections over again.

 

I am sure there are many of you that have experience starting out in learning Spanish, so I would like to hear what worked for you!

Gracias!